Middlesbrough fans shared their delight via social media as the club website released images of young Argentine starlet, Martin Payero training with the first team squad.
The 24-year-old returned from a loan spell with Boca Juniors last week and appeared all smiles as he worked under the guidance of Head Coach, Michael Carrick for the first time.
After only seeing glimpses of the ability possessed by the highly touted midfielder when he first arrived in August 2021, Boro fans will be excited to see whether Carrick and co can coax some the South American talent that was evident in those cameo appearances early on in his Middlesbrough career.
The question for most though, is not whether the coaching staff can improve him as a player; based on last season’s reputation alone, that seems a given, but more where or how he would fit into the team in terms of formation, system and playing style?
Payero wore the number ten shirt in his first season with Middlesbrough, and that is where many saw him operating moving forward, but the tempo and physicality of the notoriously gruelling Championship slog proved difficult to navigate. That said, there were enough flashes of his technique and ability to be excited at the prospect of first team inclusion.
Unfortunately, injury hampered his chances of game time and a loan to Boca Juniors in his native Argentina was seen as the best option for everybody at the time. It is not clear yet what the plan will be for Payero and the club as to how they will utilise his assets.
One thing is clear, Payero will have a near impossible job dislodging Chuba Akpom who currently plays the number ten role. Obviously, it would be naïve to suggest the club’s resolve won’t be tested at some point during the transfer window, given the forward’s prolificacy last season and so that may become a factor before any immediate plans are made. Especially with loans able to take place after the transfer deadline.
The Argentine is largely seen as a technical player who can drive forward from central midfield, he may be suited more to a number eight type role, and with the club signing young attacking players-Gilbert, Silvera, and Rogers-you would imagine that the most likely position he will provide competition for-if any-would be the two central midfield berths occupied by the evergreen Johnny Howson and the irrepressible Hayden Hackney.
If that is to be the case, there will have to have been significant improvement since his previous performances in a Middlesbrough shirt.
In Michael Carrick, one thing is certain though, he will have a clean slate and the same opportunity as everyone else to impress. Over to you Martin.